If they're anything like the other cheapies I've seen, they probably perform very similar, it's just that they look to be made out of the thinnest steel possible, I doubt they'd last much longer than a year.

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I've heard they are horrible at keeping temperature over a period of time, they put more people off charcoal BBQ than they get interested. The poor (in comparison to Weber) enamel coating does bugger all to insulate the coke can steel they are made of.

1. CharGriller smokers couldn't leak more than a sieve.
2. Australian Butchers are unable to cut US cuts. It had bones on it - pretty sure it didn't have a point on it.
3. Waking up every 1.5 hours to feed a leaky firebox/cooker is a pain in the ass.
4. I'd hate to be my neighbours when I smoked up some apple chips after the brisket was resting in an Esky, to smoke some pre-cooked sausages.

I have access to a welder and handy people that way. Short of welding up all the gaps - what else can i do to mod this gifted Char Griller into something that doesn't leak like a sieve?

Confident I can fix the butcher problem if i can get a proper cut description...

Also confident i can get 2-3 hours sleep between feeds w/ pitmasterIQ and a cooker that doesn't leak.

I have access to a welder and handy people that way. Short of welding up all the gaps - what else can i do to mod this gifted Char Griller into something that doesn't leak like a sieve?

Confident I can fix the butcher problem if i can get a proper cut description...

Also confident i can get 2-3 hours sleep between feeds w/ pitmasterIQ and a cooker that doesn't leak.

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1. Non reactive heat proof (300°) seals will do the trick. Welding is good too but you still need seals. As you've used the unit, make sure its clean before you apply them.
2. Yeah cut description would be good or a picture of the cut
3. Stay up all night with a few mates and talk shit?

Noticed barbecues galore have a "billabong" 57cm kettle for sale at $69 (usually $100).
Anyone had any experience with these?
Better off saving for a weber or waiting for a second hand to come up?

Cheers

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Go and have a look is my recommendation. It'd probably be similar to the cheapies you can get at bunnings for 40 dollars. They'd do the job for a few months, but because it's made out of cheap crap steel they'll fall to bits and rust out, probably only last a year or two.

Better off spending a little bit extra for the Weber or picking one up 2nd hand on Gumtree/eBay.

I've had experience with a few lower priced BBQ's and have found Weber's to generally be just that little bit extra better in quality/longevity. If it's going to last you a few years what's a couple of dollars.

I just got a Weber Original Kettle with the intention of trying some slow cooked deliciousness in it.

Just wondering if there are any "must have" gadget that I should look at. I'm interested in getting or making a wifi temperature gauge and possible a stoker. I've got a spare Raspberry Pi sitting around and just ordered a couple of thermocouples to play with. Anything else? Any good plans to look at?

- water pan for using with snake method
- wireless thermometer (most start with maverik)

re using the rasberry pi as a stoker its a pretty big project but good on you.
there are a few great guides on how to build one but if you are interested there is also an aussie manufacturer that is now building one called the smartfire